Business
Take your skills to market.
Science plus business savvy has always equalled societal impact. But never at the speed or scale emerging now.
Through advanced data analysis, next-gen technology and game-changing discoveries, the potential for commercially applied science to enhance and sustain the world is virtually unlimited.
Where will business and science take you?
A
Agricultural consultant
Assist and advise farmers, agricultural and rural industries, plus government on the production, processing and distribution of farm produce.
Agronomist
Use science and technology to improve the productivity, efficiency and sustainability of farms and agricultural industries by focussing on crops, soils, water management and land use.
B
Biochemist
Biochemists have pioneered all kinds of products - fertilisers, pesticides, sunscreens, wine and innovative craft beers.
Some of their work now includes chemically composing food flavours, converting sugars into biofuels, and even growing human tissue to aid healing.
Biotechnologist
So far, biotechnology has enabled the growth of pest resistant corn, cabbages cross-bred with scorpions, and fast-growing ‘FrankenFish’—not to mention human skin, bones, cartilage and bladders.
In the future, it could mean ears made entirely in labs, bionic wing attachments and synthetic super eyes with Wi-Fi.
From student to business development manager
Ethan Tan - Mexex
“The degree’s industry tours gave me an insight into what the ‘real’ world is like and inspired me to find my role as a general manager.” - Graduate of the Bachelor of Food & Nutrition Science
Business development manager
Mix business know-how with scientific inquiry to help develop, manufacture or market products which require specific discipline knowledge due to their complex and innovative nature.
Think food safety, medicines and medical testing equipment or perhaps even precision agriculture.
Brewer or distiller
Since the discovery of fermentation, brewers, distillers and winemakers have been delighting global palates.
Room for new ideas and improvements will always exist across the drinks sector - from flavour manipulation in the lab to smart bottles and organic, biodynamic and natural wines.
From student to brewer & entrepreneur
Steve Dorman - Hills Cider Company
“It's (the viticulture and oenology program) so highly recognised that you can walk into any wine region in the world and tell them you've got a University of Adelaide degree and they welcome you with open arms.” - Graduate of the Bachelor of Viticulture & Oenology
Bioinformatician
Bioinformaticians use frontline technology to manage, analyse and interpret complex biological data.
As genetic information explodes, this emerging, high-demand role will be integral to mapping life’s future.
Biomedical engineer
Combine your interests and take on a job which sees you create devices and systems for medical diagnosis, treatment and research.
You could work in a scientific or medical research institute, pharmaceutical or biotechnology company, or health services and hospitals.
Broker
Use your ability to work quickly with numbers and big data to seek out money making investment opportunities on behalf of your clients.
Being honest and trustworthy is a must, as well as an ability to adapt to fast-changing situations.
Banker
Major financial institutions in Australia and around the globe require graduates with varied backgrounds, not just accounting or finance.
The unique knowledge developed in areas like agriculture and physics can provide useful insight when analysing and solving financial problems.
C
Communicator or teacher
With scientific knowledge and understanding in such incredible demand worldwide, one of your most rewarding career paths could be to ‘turn the scientific light on’ for others.
You could engage the public as a science educator or journalist. You might develop a ‘citizen science’ app. Or maybe you’ll argue for science-backed change in a cinema-release documentary.
Computer scientist
Apply your scientific knowledge when designing computer-based solutions that address information management and processing problems in space, defence, telecommunications or business data processing and analysis.
Chemical engineer
Controlling air pollution, turning salt water fresh, designing cosmetics and biodegradables, ‘growing’ drones - chemical engineers contribute across every sector in countless, world-altering ways.
Crop scientist
Apply your expert knowledge to develop new processes and applications which solve local or global problems related to growing food, feed and fibre.
Think crop production in drought affected regions; pollution control; pest management or new ways to improve soil health.
D
Data scientist
Data scientists have already changed our lives—from optimising Internet searches to speeding cancer research and informing corporations’ financial decision-making.
Tomorrow you could build deep learning pipelines to guide autonomous air taxis, precisely match manufacturers’ supply to fluctuating demand or continuously enhance farms’ productivity based on real-time data feeds.
E
Ecotour operator
If you love being outdoors and want everyone else to see what you see in nature - wildlife, geology, cultural history - this is your chance to encourage travellers from near and far to tread more lightly on the earth.
The demand is growing and ecotourism businesses are innovating for low impact experiences which promote and support the local environment.
Entrepreneur
If Elon Musk can do it, so can you. Entrepreneurial scientists can blaze trails in any field.
You could develop and market anything from state-of-the-art space-travel technology and life-changing pharmaceuticals, to disease-preventing pet care products, new and sustainable food products, and waste-converting energy delivery.
Environmental manager
Forest protections, national parks, fishing guidelines, wildlife sanctuaries, sustainability policy - generating change is as much a profession as a science.
As an environmental manager you will play a huge role in determining the way forward for our planet and species.
F
Futures trader
A futures trader secures contracts to buy or sell an asset at a future date, at an agreed-upon price.
Skills like high-level analysis and problem-solving that are developed in advanced science and computational physics will put you at and advantage when trading commodities and futures on the stock exchange.
Financial analyst
Financial data is one of the most complex and changing data sets available. Large financial organisations employ analysts to interpret and predict, so that decisions on future actions can be based on solid evidence.
Food technologist
Past technological progress has delivered microwaves, vacuum packaging and freeze-dried fruit.
Now it’s predicted food technologists will normalise 3D printed pasta, ultrasound-extracted oil, shockwave-tenderised meat, intelligent frying pans and mind-reading menus.
From student to quality assurance officer
Josh Milisits - Vilis Bakery
"This practical degree gave me hands-on experience in cheese making, beer brewing and a range of food safety and quality assurance subjects, which are helping me excel in my career." - Graduate of the Bachelor of Food & Nutrition Science
Food scientist
Pasteurisation, carbonation, flavour creation - food scientists have been changing our edible environment for centuries.
Now, they’re concocting a sustainable future by making ice cream from potatoes, cow-free meat and milk, insect-based pet and livestock products… even jellyfish chipperies.
Farmer
Yesterday’s farmers brought us irrigation, selective breeding and livestock production.
Tomorrow, working in agriculture could involve skyscraper greenhouses, underwater biospheres, georeferencing drones, chemical cloud seeding and crops grown in nutrient-enriched oxygen.
From student to urban farmer
Nat Wiseman - Village Greens of Willunga Creek / Wagtail Urban Farm
“Studying science opened up a whole world of ideas. It led to a real awakening for me and ignited my passion in trying to address the environmental and social issues I learned about.” - Graduate of the BSc
H
Hedge fund manager
Skills in physics and maths give you an edge with an ability to quickly analyse huge amounts of data and make strategic investment decisions.
Managing a hedge fund can be extremely lucrative but also high risk.
I
Innovation manager
Innovation is a key driver of scientific discovery. Big changes are underway in industries like medicine, agriculture and pharmaceuticals and they will accelerate in years to come.
As an innovation manager you can apply your scientific skills in any number of ways, from clearing the ocean of plastics, to pioneering a new biofuel or helping to launch new technology into space.
L
Laboratory technician or manager
If you love working in a lab, this job is a great option.
You will assist scientists by collecting and preparing samples, carrying out experiments and recording and presenting results for critical analysis. Once you gain experience you might manage a small team of people to ensure the smooth running of the laboratory.
M
Microbiologist
You’ll spend your time collecting samples and analysing them, figuring out how microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, viruses and parasites interact with their environment.
Everything you learn and record is used to better understand and fight diseases or perhaps be used to create yoghurt or the world’s next micro-brew.
Merchant banker
Finance might not seem an obvious destination for science graduates, but there are a surprising number of scientists using their science specific skills to solve real-world problems.
You might analyse fluctuations on the stock exchange to advise companies when to buy or sell, or you might apply your knowledge of agriculture to provide expert advice to agribusinesses.
N
Nutritionist or dietitian
Improving human health will always be a scientific priority.
Dietetic experts will advance nutrition into new realms of understanding with transformative biotech, enriched edibles and diets streamlined to suit our individual DNA.
Natural resource manager
Balance the need of landowners with the health of the ecosystem and the environment as a whole.
You might help develop government policies, ensure developers comply with regulations or oversee program facilities. You may also choose to specialise in land management or soil and water conservation.
P
Precision agriculture specialist
Take farming to the next level using new technology to collect large amounts of data on crop or animal performance and assess this against defined production areas to determine nutrient or other input levels.
Smart farming uses GPS, sensor technology and robotics to optimise agricultural production with precise inputs per square metre.
Parks manager
Apply your passion for animals and the environment in a job which promotes awareness, understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural features of our natural environment. This might include working at a wildlife park, national park or a privately-owned reserve.
From student to inclusion & diversity advisor and geologist
Bonnie Henderson - Woodside Energy Pty Ltd
“My time at the University of Adelaide has been extraordinary, challenging and life-changing. I love the social interaction and field-work component of studying earth sciences. During my undergraduate and PhD studies I have travelled around Australia and the world. I am now a part of a global community of geoscientists.” - Graduate of the BSc Advanced (geology major)
Policy officer
Scientists are under increasing pressure to create world-changing interventions; from gene editing to driverless cars, science needs policy officers to ask questions about the social and political implications of these innovations.
As a policy officer you might use your technical knowledge to ensure new environmental legislation is based in sound scientific evidence.
R
Rural finance manager
Use your scientific background and understanding of finance to help support and enable farmers to build vibrant businesses.
Researcher
Australia has numerous federal scientific research organisations, such as the: CSIRO; Defence Science and Technology Group; Australian Antarctic Division; and Australian Institute of Marine Science. South Australia has many too. You’ll do important work and regularly collaborate with universities and industry.
Research & development manager
What’s your scientific pleasure - astrophysics? How does research with a company like SpaceX sound? Or one of Australia’s growing number of space start-ups?
If biotech’s more your thing, how about R&D for a giant like Samsung Biologics? Perhaps you’d like to consult to organisations like Adelaide’s Futuris Corp on future farming? Research opportunities are everywhere.
S
Space scientist
When mankind first went to the moon, it was using computer power the equivalent of a modern-day smart phone. Now, we’re in the age of supercomputers.
Increasingly sophisticated technology can deliver deep research findings on astronomical movements, galactic evolution and as-yet-unanticipated phenomena. And space scientists help deliver the satellite images and communications we use in so many aspects of our lives.
Systems analyst
Design computer information systems, modify and optimise systems and advise clients on ways to explain existing systems.
Statistician
Engage in the application of statistical theory and methods to collect, organise, interpret and summarise numerical data to provide usable information.
This could include analysing census data or information sourced from any number of specialised areas.
Sports nutritionist
Measure and assess the health and performance of athletes, and develop nutritional meal plans designed to enhance their performance. Monitor and adjust nutritional plans as required.
From student to specialist & entrepreneur
Dr Jonathan Hall - Presagen / Life Whisperer
“The University was a place where I could find like-minded people who loved the things I wanted to learn about. Because of that, I have the skills and mindset and patience to tackle many problems in science or industry, and create my own jobs and business opportunities in society.” - Graduate of the BSc (Optics & Photonics) / BSc Honours (Mathematical Physics)
Specialist
Countless thriving businesses owe their success, in large part, to staff with scientific expertise.
Picture yourself leading R&D for Virgin Galactic, managing environmental sustainability for an ecotourism developer, or overseeing cybersecurity for a major defence contractor.
U
University academic
Research universities are absolute hives of scientific discovery. There are over 1,000 in the world - and Adelaide Uni is one of them.
Academics generally combine research, teaching and administrative duties and regularly collaborate with leading companies and research organisations all over the globe.
V
Vineyard manager
Work for a wine business taking responsibility for the everyday running of the vineyard(s).
This involves business planning; hiring, training and supervision of staff; maintenance of machinery; budgeting and finance; monitoring the health of the grapes; and having an input into the best practices for viticulture.
Viticulturist
Everyone knows the best wines come from the best vineyards.
Specialise in the production of wine grapes and vineyard management, taking your expertise to winegrowing regions around the world. Apply advanced technologies for precision viticulture, reducing diseases and improving grape yield and quality.
W
Winemaker
Also known as an oenologist or vintner, you will oversee the entire winemaking process, including what happens in the vineyard, when to harvest, crushing, fermentation, ageing, blending and bottling.
Combine your scientific knowledge with practical experience to craft award winning wines.
Wine marketer
Promote wine or wine related products anywhere around the world using your understanding of viticulture and winemaking and convince customers of the unique attributes of the product. This could include selling wine or barrels or other related equipment.
What will you study?
- Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
- Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics - NEW
- Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)
- Bachelor of Science (High Performance Computational Physics) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science and Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Teaching (Middle) with Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) with Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Veterinary Technology - NEW
- Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science
- Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science - NEW
- Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced) - NEW